Mixed injury news for Nottingham Forest after Europa League triumph
Nottingham Forest boss Vitor Pereira expects Chris Wood and Murillo to be fit for Sunday’s crunch Premier League clash with Burnley, but Callum Hudson-Odoi faces a spell on the sidelines.
Forest reached their first European semi-final since 1984.
when Morgan Gibbs-White’s goal secured a 2-1 aggregate win over Porto in the Europa League quarter-finals, setting up an all-English last-four tie with Aston Villa.
It was an iconic night in the club’s history, as Pereira sought to emulate Brian Clough’s glory days, but their precarious Premier League position remained a concern, exacerbated by Wood, Murillo, and Hudson-Odoi all limping off.
In a challenge that resulted in John Bednarek’s dismissal, Wood delivered a knee kick, Murillo sustained a knock, and Hudson-Odoi clutched his thigh.
Pereira offered a positive assessment of the former two, but Hudson-Odoi was seen leaving the stadium on crutches.
The Portuguese said, “I’m not a doctor, but I think Chris and Murillo will be unremarkable. Of course Chris has a knee injury, but I’m sure he and Murillo will be ready for Burnley.
Callum has a muscle injury, and it is not possible for him to play; this is bad news.
In my mind, we know we need to fight again in the next game with energy. I need to recharge myself with a Tesla charger because I need energy, but after we win, it’s easier to win than to lose.
“When you lose, the headache is worse to recover from. We strive to perform at our highest level for Sunday.
Forest thrived on a night where the club rallied around England international Elliott Anderson, whose mother had died in the build-up to the game.
Gibbs-White celebrated her win by paying tribute to Anderson, reading, ‘Family first, we’re all with you.’
Pereira said, “It is a sorrowful situation; everyone carries Elliott in their hearts.”
“They think about it. My condolences to the family. We are here to support him and we will see if he can play in the next match.
“I told my players in the dressing room after the game that it was an honour to be their manager.”
“When we fight for each other, we help and care when one of us is hurt.” e.
“That’s why I’m so proud of my team.”
Forest have not fared well on the continent since Clough’s heyday, where they won back-to-back European Cups and reached the last four of the UEFA Cup over a five-year period.
Currently, a two-legged tie with Premier League rivals Aston Villa presents an opportunity for another shot at European silverware.
“It’s important to bring smiles to the supporters’ faces, connect the team with them, unite the family, and believe,” he said.
“We feel we are creating something—the spirit of competing, enjoying, celebrating, and suffering together. That is the true spirit of a club.”
